TANNERSVILLE, Pa. - More consumers and businesses in Monroe County can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access now that Verizon Online has expanded its availability in the area.

Verizon Online DSL is now available on more than 2,400 additional lines as the result of the company's most recent expansion and upgrade of its local telecommunications network. Areas in which additional DSL lines are available include the vicinity of the Office Plaza business complex and along Cherry Lane in Stroudsburg, and along portions of East Belmont Pike and North Ridge Road in Tannersville.

Verizon has invested $8.5 billion in its network across the commonwealth over the last 10 years.

Currently, Verizon Online is offering its basic consumer DSL service for $29.95 per month when purchased in combination with Verizon Freedom or another Verizon local or long-distance bundle. This service offers a maximum connection speed of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 384 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream.

Verizon Online has also enhanced its DSL service by introducing a super-fast maximum Internet connection speed of 3 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream for as low as $39.95 per month when purchased as part of a package of calling services. In addition, the company has lowered the cost of its entry-level business service.

"If you've wanted DSL service from us in the past, but it wasn't in your neighborhood, now's the time to check with us on current availability," said James V. O'Rourke, president and CEO of Verizon Pennsylvania.

DSL subscribers can have news in an instant, share digital photos, quickly send e-mail attachments, download movies and play interactive multi-media games in real time. DSL-powered businesses can increase productivity by spending less time doing research, paying bills online and e-mailing orders to suppliers.

Not only is Verizon DSL available to more people than ever before, but Verizon can help customers make the most of high-speed access to the Internet or other broadband services. With a home network, customers can have additional security and connect several computers to one DSL connection to access the Internet at high speeds. A home network also lets subscribers share files and printers among several computers.

To order Verizon Online DSL or check to see whether it is available to a specific home, local telephone customers should check online at www.verizon.net or call Verizon at 1-800-PICK-DSL (7425-375). Business customers can call 888-649-9500.

Verizon Communications

A Dow 30 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.